Reading and Columbia

I will be out in the Pa. Dutch country next week with the Mrs. going to two quilting stores in Denver and Manheim on a weekday. Any rail activity in either of these former Reading and Columbia areas that I can railfan while she peruses the stores? Likely time and location ? Thanks

The Lancaster Northern Railroad operates the northern portion of the ex-RDG R&C branch between Sinking Springs and Ephrata. I believe there are feed mills in Denver and Reinholds which receive regular service but can't speak to the exact frequency of service.

Thanks. What do their locomotives look like ? Are there any existing stations trackside ?

The last I saw, they had a GP10 in black paint with white lettering. Their caboose was a little more colorful in a blue and yellow livery. I've seen reports that they have some additional power online but don't know any details on it. From the PA surviving stations list, the Manheim and Reinholds stations should still be standing. There's also the Reinholds Hotel in Reinholds that makes a very nice photo prop.

http://www.west2k.com/pastations/lancaster.htm

I believe the Lancaster Northern (Penn Eastern Rail Lines) is now using a blue U-boat.

If you're going to be around Manheim, you may be able to catch the NS local that runs on the former R&C through Manheim to Lititz. Last time I was aware, it was running a M-W-F schedule, getting to Lititz from 10am - 1pm or so. At lititz it does some shifting of the industries, then runs around the train to return to Lancaster.

As far as the Mrs., there is a real good chocolate factory/retail store (Wilbur's) that is trackside to the R&C in downtown Lititz and they are even a RR customer. Very easy to see operations as the tracks are alongside the Lititz Springs Park and other public roads.

A photo of the local next to the chocolate company: http://www.railroadforums.com/photos/sh ... puser/4715

and a shot of the Manheim station: http://www.railroadforums.com/photos/sh ... puser/4715

Geez. A train and a chocolate factory. What more could you want ? Thanks.